Communications Executive

About the job:

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

You’ll find the promise we make to our clients is the same one we make to our employees: Your success is our priority.

Here, you’ll find growth and career opportunities across all our businesses. We’re intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,000 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 450 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies and we have the capability to build tailored solutions matched to clients’ specific requirements.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented and dedicated people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base. We encourage applications from returners to the industry.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Job Purpose Statement

Provide support and assistance to senior members of the Corporate Communications team across internal and external communications, including media relations, employee communications and events, community relations and corporate/strategic communications. Support project work and the broader mandate of the Corporate Communications team as required.

Role Responsibilities

The EMEA Corporate Communications team is responsible for managing the organisation's reputation in the region, enabling the firm's strategic objectives and supporting business growth. The team's activities include internal and external communications, stakeholder engagement, public affairs and community relations. The team is part of the Global Corporate Communications function and works closely with senior leaders, business and support teams across the global organisation.

The Corporate Communications team has a broad remit to protect and enhance the firm's reputation and you will play an important role in the team's success in delivering market-leading external and internal communications to support the business. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring media database and distribution lists are kept up to date

• Organising media training and keeping the spokesperson log up to date

• Organising translations of media releases and other materials

• Preparing media coverage and activity reports for the wider team and business partners

• Organising media events and roundtables

• Acting as day-to-day contact for media database and media monitoring suppliers

• Drafting and co-ordinating approval of media releases and other external communications

• Drafting stories for employee newsletters, intranet etc

• Helping co-ordinate employee events (virtual and in-person)

• Supporting community relations activities including employee volunteering.

Key Capabilities

• Communications and/or media relations experience, either working in the media, in-house or PR agency

• Demonstrable experience in managing media relations and working on media campaigns

• Excellent writing skills and editorial/news judgement

• Be organised with strong time management skills, the ability to meet hard deadlines and to multi-task across competing priorities

• Attention to detail

• Ability to build good working relationships as well as use initiative and generate ideas

• Motivated self-starter with a willingness to be a flexible team player, for example this role will work with UK and European media, external PR agencies and colleagues in EMEA, North America and Asia Pacific as required.

Desired Capabilities

• Minimum 18 months experience in a communications or media role

• Experience within asset management, or financial services

• Experience with investment trade and/or financial media in the UK

This is a full time position